Enxertos autógenos de veia safena lateral na reparação de defeito uretral em cães

Abstract

Extensive urethral defects in dogs pose a significant surgical challenge, given that conventional techniques, such as urethral anastomosis and permanent urethrostomies, present limitations like stenosis, prolapses, and hemorrhages. This study aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of reconstructive urethroplasty using an autologous lateral saphenous vein graft in ex vivo experimental models. The study utilized 10 male canine cadavers subjected to the urethroplasty technique with a venous graft, evaluating patency and leakage through methylene blue testing and retrograde contrast urethrography. The results demonstrated the technical feasibility of urethroplasty using a lateral saphenous vein graft, although they showed high leakage rates along the anastomosis lines, particularly in the proximal portion with a 77.8% failure rate and 33.3% in the distal portion, which was attributed to the anatomical rigidity adjacent to the os penis and tissue fragility. In conclusion, although the ex vivo model revealed biomechanical challenges, it is plausible to assume that the physiological dynamics of a live patient would tend to mitigate the observed failures. Thus, in vivo studies are necessary to evaluate safety, efficacy, as well as tissue integration, inflammatory response, and urethral functionality under physiological conditions.